Biggar: Derby the perfect time to put things right

DAN Biggar spelled out some home truths after the Ospreys' latest defeat left them with only the hapless Italians of Zebre below them in the Pro12 table.

A third setback in a row, against Glasgow at the Liberty, equalled the region's worst start to a season and left them wondering where their first win of the campaign is coming from, with the table-topping Scarlets to play in Llanelli on Friday and Munster to face the following weekend.

The champions weren't just edged out by the Scots in last Friday's encounter. They were emphatically beaten, 28-10, by a side who didn't even play that well.

Once again, there were countless ball spillages, while the scrum misfired, the line-out proved unreliable and the back play was bereft of quality.

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The concern in the Ospreys camp will be that if that if the form book holds up this weekend, with the Scarlets unbeaten, they will be on the wrong end of a hiding at Parc y Scarlets.

Biggar pulled few punches, saying: "It's not good enough from the boys who are going on the field at the minute — it's extremely disappointing.

"There's no point hiding behind anything. The fact is we are not playing well enough and we are not doing the coaches justice.

"We are turning the ball over far too cheaply and gifting teams soft points."

Biggar believes the Ospreys are going through a transitional phase, having shed so many players in the summer, including five wings and two international front rowers in Paul James and Huw Bennett.

"It's disappointing, but with the changes we are going through it is not easy for it to click straight away," he said.

"A lot of players have moved on. We have a lot of exciting young talent and a blend here, but it takes time.

"Supporters and everyone associated with the club just have to realise it's not going to happen overnight; it's going to take time."

The concern for the Ospreys is that they are doing untold damage to the defence of the Pro12 title.

They lost just five games in the league last term, but already this season they are only two shy of that figure.

There was no shortage of endeavour against Glasgow — they dominated possession — but careless errors and disappointing skill levels meant the visitors took the spoils.

And while Biggar accepted the need for sleeves to be rolled up in the clash with the Scarlets, he was adamant more was required.

"We are going to have to call on the spirit we showed last season," said the fly-half.

"It certainly means a lot to me to play for this region, and I'm sure the rest of the boys think the same way.

"The Scarlets is a good game for us to have — they are playing some decent stuff at the minute, so we are going to have to put a lot of fight in this week.

"But passion and determination take you only so far.

"We have to put our house in order and get things right on the field, because it's not good enough and we have to get out of it quickly.

"But we'll certainly be fired up for it down in Llanelli."

According to Steve Tandy, James King is definitely out for the game with the Scarlets, while Adam Jones is a "real doubt" and Ryan Jones has only an "outside chance" of appearing.